7 geotextile fabrics function and uses

3. Reinforcement

Introduction of geotextile in the soil increases the tensile strength of the soil the same amount steel does in concrete. The strength gain in soil due to the introduction of geotextile is by the following 3 mechanisms :

• 
  Lateral restraint through interfacial friction between geotextile and soil/aggregate.
  
• 
  Forcing the potential bearing surface failure plane to develop an alternate higher shear strength surface.
  
• 
  Membrane type of support of the wheel loads.
  

4. Sealing

A layer of non-woven geotextile is impregnated in between existing and new asphalt layers. The geotextile absorbs asphalt to become a waterproofing membrane minimising vertical flow of water into the pavement structure.